I personally do not find the over the shoulder position comfortable to carry a rifle for an extended period of time.

I actually prefer to carry the rifle in one hand at my side. Depending on the rifles balance, usually with my hand around the front part of the action. I switch from hand to hand as time passes to rest one or the other. I have no problem doing this all day, day in and day out. Naturally, a persons grip has to be slowly trained up to do this, but this isn't a big problem if you start off light with smallish "dumbbells" or something similar when out walking (even though this does look kind of strange if you walk where there are other people). Eventually going up to, and above, the weight of your rifle.

I feel I have better control over where the trigger and safety is, in regards to bushes and branches when holding it like this compared to over the shoulder. At least when sneaking thru dense bush.

Erik